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Parables Of Jesus
A parable is a story that is aimed to stimulate our thoughts. It refers to a fictional event containing a moral or spiritual truth. Parables can be seen as imaginary stories with real people in them.
Before Jesus, no one else in the Bible is recorded as using parables as consistently, creatively and effectively as he did. About one-third of all Jesus sayings are parables.
The following is a selection of parables of Jesus. They are structured as a list of questions for group discussion followed by a short commentary providing some answers.
Please read our revised notes on leading the studies and copyright notice.
- The purpose of Parables
A parable is a story that is aimed to stimulate our thoughts. It refers to a fictional event containing a moral or spiritual truth. Parables can be seen as imaginary stories with real people in them.
- How to understand parables
How to understand the parables of Jesus.
- An exercise in understanding parables
An exercise in understanding parables
- The moneylender - Luke 7 (Questions)
To understand this parable please read Luke 7:35-40 to get the context within which the story was given. Notice that Jesus? host was one Simon, a Pharisee.
- Commentary on The Moneylender (Luke 7: 41 - 50)
This parable would have challenged the judgemental attitude of Simon (Luke 7:39); encouraged and comforted the immoral woman (Luke 7: 37 New Living Translation) and probably rebuked the other guests who were watching on with a critical spirit.
- The Rich fool - Luke 12 (Questions)
It is often said that Jesus said more about money than anything else. This is true. Yet what is often not mentioned is that Jesus was warning and cautioning people against the greed that can come with money.
- Commentary on the Rich fool - Luke 12
Notice how many times the word "I" appears in Luke 12:17-19. This rich man was focused on himself and his riches. It has been said that selfishness is the brother of greed and together they can wreck your house.
- Lost - Sheep, Coin and Prodigal Son (Questions)
In many cultures associating with disapproved people is tantamount to accepting and approving of them. Yet it is when people perceive you genuinely care about them that they listen to you. No wonder why Jesus had so much success.
- Commentary on Lost - Luke 15: 1 - 31
God values the individual. It is not ?what? we are or possess that makes us precious in God?s sight but ?who? we are. We are His creation made in His image.